2008 Lexus GS450h tow

415
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U
December 27, 2007 1:38 pm
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
Engine oil level (P. 422)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used
only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 4 5 6 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Headlight aim ( P. 4 7 1 )• Phillips-head screwdriver
Radiator and condenser (P. 4 2 8 )
Tire inflation pressure (P. 4 4 5 )• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d ( P. 4 3 4 )
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
•Funnel

When trouble arises5
481
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:30 pm
5-1. Essential information..... 482If your vehicle needs 
to be towed ........................... 482
If you think something is  wrong ..................................... 488
Event data recorder .............. 489 5-2. Steps to take in an

emergency .................... 491
If a warning light turns on or a 
warning buzzer sounds... ... 491
If a warning message is 
displayed................................ 500
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with standard tires) ............... 517
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with run-flat tires)................ 527
If the hybrid system will 
not start .................................. 528
If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from “P”.................... 529
If you lose your keys .............. 530
If the electronic key does 
not operate properly........... 531
If the 12 volt battery is 
discharged ............................ 534
If your vehicle overheats ..... 538
If the vehicle becomes 
stuck......................................... 541

482
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or ch ain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short dis-
tances below 18 mph (30 km/h). 
A driver must be in the vehicle to s teer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
If towing is necessary, we recommen d having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing service, using a lift-type truck or a flat
bed truck. 
Use a safety chain system for all towing , and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
If towing from the rear, the wheels and axle on the ground must be in good
condition.
If they are damaged, use a to wing dolly or flat bed truck.

5
When trouble arises
483
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Towing eyelet
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
The “POWER” switch must be in the ACCESSORY mode (hybrid system
off) or the ON mode (hybrid system on).
CAUTION
■While towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. 
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
●If the hybrid system is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steeri ng and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground. 
This may cause serious dama ge to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

484
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Installing towing eyeletRemove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
■Location of the emergency towing eyelet
P. 5 1 7

5
When trouble arises
485
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet ma y come loose during towing. This may lead
to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

486
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom front Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From rear Turn the “POWER” switch to the
ACCESSORY mode so that the
steering wheel is unlocked.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
●Do not tow the vehicle with the “POWER” switch is OFF. 
The steering lock mechanism is not st rong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the
opposite end of the raised vehicle. Wi thout adequate clearance, the vehicle
could be damaged while being towed.

5
When trouble arises
517
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles with standard tires)
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to “P”.
● Stop the hybrid system.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Wheel nut wrench Jack
Jack handle
Spare tireTi g h t e n
Loosen
Tools
Towing eyelet